Local service guide
Bathroom Remodeling in Billings, MT: Plan and Hire
For Bathroom Remodeling in Billings, choose a contractor who gives you a written scope, names the plumbing and electrical trades, and assigns responsibility for permits and inspection approvals. The city makes the owner responsible for permits, even when the owner delegates that work to a contractor. Before accepting a bid, decide whether you want finish changes, a replacement shower or a new layout, and ask the contractor to confirm the permit requirements for that scope. [1]
Define the work before comparing bids
Write a short brief describing what you want to keep, replace and move. Include the toilet, vanity, tub or shower, flooring, lighting and exhaust fan. Tell bidders whether you need easier entry, a handheld shower, more storage or space for a caregiver. Ask them to measure the room and explain how their proposed layout meets your needs.
For a shower replacement, request details about the base, wall backing, waterproofing, drain connection and enclosure. Ask who installs each part and who checks the work before tile covers it. For a layout change, have the contractor identify affected walls and utility connections before you approve demolition.
Ask for separate prices for work you can choose between, such as keeping the tub or replacing it with a shower. Keep your fixture selections consistent across bids. If a contractor includes an allowance, ask which products that amount covers and how an upgrade changes the total.
Confirm permits and schedule around review
Billings requires a building permit for almost any construction on private property, while it exempts painting, wallpapering and similar finish work. The city also explains that most plumbing and electrical permits can only go to licensed plumbers and electricians. Ask the Building Division to confirm which permits your bathroom scope needs rather than treating a finish-work exemption as permission for the entire project. [1]
Submit building permit applications through the City View online portal. The city lists an initial residential review period of 4–7 business days once applicants submit complete plans and address special issues. This describes initial review, not a promised approval date or construction schedule. Ask your contractor to separate application, approval, material delivery and demolition dates. [1]
Put the permit applicant and inspection coordinator in the contract. The city says owners should ensure that their contractor obtains the appropriate permits and receives inspection approvals. Ask the contractor which stages need inspection and agree on how you will receive the approval records before concealed work proceeds. [1]
Build a quote you can manage
Request a written price that identifies demolition, disposal, plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, shower construction, finishes and installation. Ask the bidder to identify permit charges and owner-supplied items. Billings bases remodel permit fees on the contract price or estimated value of materials and labor, so ask how the contractor calculated the permit allowance. [1]
Agree on a process for concealed damage before work starts. Ask the contractor to photograph any problem, explain the proposed repair and obtain your written approval of the price and schedule change. Keep a separate reserve in your budget without treating an unspecified allowance as an agreed repair scope.
Ask who will supervise the work and who will answer questions when several trades visit. Request insurance documentation and references for projects with similar scope. Tie payments to clearly described stages, and define completion through a walkthrough, correction list and delivery of the agreed records.
Choose fixtures and prepare for bathroom downtime
EPA describes standard showerheads as using 2.5 gallons per minute. WaterSense models must use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute and undergo independent certification for efficiency and performance. Compare labeled models for spray coverage, handheld reach and controls that suit your household. [3]
Billings charges for water through a fixed monthly meter charge and volume rates. Its published residential water rates effective July 1, 2026 differ inside and outside city limits. Use the chart to understand the within-city water volume rates when considering fixture efficiency. You still need your account details and actual water use to evaluate a purchase. [2]
Before demolition, confirm that the contractor has checked product dimensions and delivery dates. Agree on working hours, dust protection, debris removal and water shutoff notices. If this is your only bathroom, ask exactly when you will lose toilet and shower access and arrange an alternative before work begins.
Billings residential water volume rates within city limits
Local details that affect your job
Use the city application and inspection channels
Billings accepts building permit applications through City View. You can request a building inspection by calling 406-657-8270. The Building Division occupies the fifth floor of City Hall at 316 N. 26th Street. Record who will submit the application, check its status and request inspections before signing. [1]
Check the property jurisdiction before assigning permits
The city directs properties outside its jurisdiction to the State of Montana and gives 406-841-2056 for information. Confirm whether your address falls within city limits before your contractor chooses the permit office. A Billings mailing address alone should not replace that check. [1]
Use the correct utility rate for your account
For residential Tier 1 water use, Billings Public Works lists $4.97 per 1,000 gallons within city limits and $5.13 outside city limits, effective July 1, 2026. The utility also charges a fixed monthly amount based on meter size. Check your customer classification before comparing fixture running costs. [2]
Match the scope to your next step
| Proposed work | Before accepting the bid | Written detail to request |
|---|---|---|
| Painting and similar finish work | Billings lists these as permit-exempt; confirm any additional work separately. | Surface preparation, products and cleanup |
| Replace a tub or shower | Ask the Building Division and contractor which permits apply. | Base, waterproofing, drain connection and enclosure scope |
| Move plumbing or alter electrical work | Identify the licensed trades; the city says most trade permits can only go to licensed plumbers and electricians. | Trade names, permit responsibility and inspection coordination |
| Change walls or the layout | Ask for a plan that identifies the proposed work and affected structure. | Drawings, review milestones and written change terms |
Your hiring checklist
- Write a keep, replace and move list for fixtures and finishes.
- Give each bidder the same fixture selections and desired layout.
- Request shower waterproofing and drain connection details.
- Confirm the permit jurisdiction and name the permit coordinator in the contract.
- Ask for itemized allowances, exclusions and written change approval terms.
- Confirm product dimensions and delivery dates before demolition.
- Arrange toilet and shower access during the work.
- Keep the final walkthrough list, warranties and agreed approval records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
Confirm the requirements for your exact scope with the Building Division. Billings exempts painting, wallpapering and similar finish work, but requires permits for almost any construction on private property. Separate plumbing or electrical permits may apply. [1]
Can the contractor handle the permits?
Yes. Billings allows the owner to designate permit responsibility to the contractor. The city tells owners to ensure the contractor obtains the appropriate permits and receives inspection approvals. Name that responsibility in the contract and request the records. [1]
How long should I allow for permit review?
The city lists 4–7 business days for initial single-family and duplex review after submission of complete plans and resolution of special issues. Ask your contractor to allow for corrections and approval before committing to demolition. [1]
Does a WaterSense showerhead guarantee a lower bill?
EPA requires WaterSense showerheads to use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute and meet performance criteria. Your bill depends on use and your utility account. Billings charges both a fixed monthly water amount and volume charges, so do not treat fixture selection as a guaranteed dollar saving. [2] [3]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.